Facts You Should Know About GI Health

Physicians and scientists have learned over time that the food we consume, coupled with our gastrointestinal well-being, can have a significant effect on our overall health and quality of life. Current research, however, suggests that the relationship between an individual's digestive health and entire wellness is much stronger than we previously understood.

The GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates aspire to be at the center of GI health research so we can better educate and assist our patients. If you've never thought about how your digestive health can impact the rest of your body, take a few minutes now to gain more insight from our New Orleans, LA digestive health group.

Why is GI wellness essential?

First, it is helpful to establish what "gut health" refers to. Within your intestines are trillions of fungi, bacteria, and additional microbes that together form a microbiome. The microbiome could be affected by several factors, which include the foods you eat and the germs present in your environment.

As our dietary habits have changed and sanitation habits improved, researchers have seen a decrease in the microbial diversity of people living in developed countries. At the same time, doctors have noticed a rise in cases of asthma, food allergies, and other disorders in those populations. While our understanding of the microbiome is still limited, a number of researchers think that such trends involve a close connection linking gut health and overall wellness.

That isn't all — evidence reveals that a disproportional microbiome could be an indicator in the development of chronic illnesses, including IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), autoimmune disorders, and some psychological conditions like depression.

What can be done to boost my digestive health?

The ideal way to strengthen your gastrointestinal health is by practicing habits that will help you develop a healthy microbiome. These include:

• Eating a varied, well-balanced diet
• Eating probiotic foods to supplement your natural microbes like sauerkraut, yogurt, etc.
• Eating foods that are high in fiber
• Limiting consumption of processed foods and alcohol
• Regular exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle
• Losing excess weight

You may also keep track of your gut health by taking note of changes in your digestion, whether you're experiencing pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or any other unusual issues. It is important to connect with a GI doctor if you are dealing with any unsettling signs or symptoms. The digestive professionals at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates will work to get to the root cause of your GI problems and help you move forward with an effective treatment so you can boost your health.

When should I get help for gastrointestinal symptoms?

In the event minor gastrointestinal symptoms (like stomach pains, heartburn, diarrhea, or bloating) fail to settle over a two-week stretch on their own or with assistance from OTC medications, you should seek out care. Such symptoms could at times be a signal of an underlying gut concern. It's crucial to record your symptoms, including how often they occur, their severity, and what may be triggering them, as these findings could assist your physician in evaluating any issues and recommending a treatment option. Persistent or serious symptoms should be evaluated by a digestive provider.

In addition, we strongly recommend that you connect with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible if you are dealing with severe pain, rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits or if your symptoms are following fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep in mind that it's always better to be safe than sorry about your health. Connect with our office at your earliest convenience to connect with a trained GI doctor in New Orleans, LA who can provide the care you need to live comfortably without discomfort or GI issues.

Locate a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA

Researchers have only started to scratch the surface when it comes to grasping how the gastrointestinal system might affect an individual's general health. In the event you experience GI issues or are at elevated risk of diseases like colon cancer as a result of family history or other determinants, we encourage you to meet with a board-certified gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our skilled GI providers serve the health needs of the community with kindness and advanced ability. Contact our New Orleans, LA GI specialists as soon as possible to request an appointment.